This subject was no problem for me! I had collected a few of dried materials, but finding a suitable container was a little problem. Here was my arrangement which made with dried Cycas Sago Palm (蘇鉄) and bark. The Protea Pincushion was provided.
The pictures below were gradually turned into what it’s now.
 |
| The final version |
 |
| Less is more, one palm only |
 |
| Sensei wanted me to make palm higher |
 |
| Tried at home |
Three elements “Line, Color and Mass”. The third element is Mass. I had hard time to find a container that I like to use; I also like to bring my own beautiful peonies to be part of it. (6/1/2026)
 |
| I like this arrangement by classmate |
 |
| Tried it at home, mugo pine and peonies |
Variation NO.8 Morbana and Nageire combined style. The completed arrangement with their own individual beauty combined to create a whole new composition. (6/1/2026)
Materials: mums provided, the lilac branches cut from my back yard.
This was the first day’s (May 19) workshop “Floating Sense and Balance.” Everyone got the same materials, but used their own container. I always bring two different kinds of containers. I decide which one to use after seeing Sensei’s demonstration. I was delighted that I received a nice critique from the master instructor Reito Oizumi.
I didn’t attend May 20th’s workshop. For me to go Ikebana class or other events like this involves many family members! Because my husband needs someone to watch him and I need someone to drive me to the places. My children know how important it is for me to continue practicing my beloved Ikebana; it also helps me temporarily relieve my stress and depression from taking care of my husband!
This was the last piece of arrangement! It’s a big and beautiful piece of work! She looks young and very graceful! I like all of her arrangements, very impressive and well done!
Ikebana International New York Chapter #7 on its 70th anniversary held a special meeting to celebrate on May 19-20, 2026 at the Opus Westchester, White Plains, New York. The chapter invited Ms. Reito Oizumi to present demonstrations and workshops. “She is an award winning practitioner and exhibits internationally. She approaches Ikebana as a deeply personal form of expression.”
Oizumi Sensei demonstrated ten pieces of arrangements: here were the nine arrangements.
Our May class lessons were held on May 8, 2026, three subjects as usual. Thinking of all the materials I need for the class makes me really miss my old garden. I was glad the class would provide materials for us to use, a little bit challenging for me but I liked it this time.
May class lessons: 1) - With Branches Only or A Two- Step Approach (for advanced students)
 |
| A two steps approach, the branches are featured in this widely spreading horizontally composition |
 |
| Pink dogwood branch from my yard |
The class provided horsetail for straight line material, I didn’t use it, I used forsythia instead. Unfortunately, I didn’t transplant the horsetail plant here, I have a lot of them in my old house garden! They are invasive plants.
 |
| My original design |
 |
| In class, Sensei changed the position of the Aspidistra to the bottom |
 |
| Sensei’s demo using horsetail |
I used the big martini glass as a container of this subject. Showing the water is another means of expression! I salute all the mothers on Mother’s Day through this arrangement! (cymbidium, white flower and Asparagus provided, my green vine is bittersweet)
Dewdrops on the tree peony leaves sparkled like diamonds in the sun! I am delighted that my two tree peonies I transplanted to my new garden last fall are well established.
